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The Labour Ministry must adapt to changing needs of the "increasingly educated population", especially in improving benefits for workers, DPM Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.
Amidst growing concerns of a labour shortage, Thailand is finding ways to re-integrate older skilled workers into the labor market. Such a move is expected to help reduce societal burdens and foster self-reliance.
Acknowledging the labour shortage, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul has attributed this matter to the increasingly educated population having more choices — coupled with changes in family structures, such as fewer marriages and decisions not to have children.
As such, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) "must adapt, especially in improving benefits for workers". These include quality healthcare and other welfare rights, as the government is ready to support.
Amongst other concerns, DPM Anutin also mentioned that it is crucial to adjust wages when finding a balance that satisfies both employers and employees.
Lastly, he highlighted the concern that excessive wage demands could lead employers to favouring robots over human workers, as machines "do not demand salary increases or bonuses". With this, a balanced approach to wage adjustments — the amounts, the locations, and the industries — is essential and would require thorough consideration.
In response, Minister of Labour Phipat Ratchakitprakarn has welcomed these suggestions, stating that the MOL is ready to adopt them.
According to Minister Phipat, the MOL is currently focusing on enhancing skills by developing high-level labor craftsmanship, ensuring employment availability through comprehensive foreign labour services, and increasing the deployment of Thai workers abroad.
The ministry is also emphasising outstanding social security services with convenient and fast E-Service, and updating laws to align with the nation's economic and social contexts, he added.
Lead image / 123rf
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